|
Author: Brett Fogle Article source: http://www.hotlib.com/. Used with author's permission.
For many parts of the country, it's getting to be that time of year again. Time to start thinking about getting your fish and plants ready for old man winter...
Every year, as the weather gets colder and we start heading into winter, many of our customers ask us how to prepare their ponds for winter. Pond owners should be aware of several simple things to do in preparing their ponds for colder months.
Fish and plants need very different things in the winter, but can be kept in top condition for the following season if the appropriate steps are taken (see related articles).
Fish should be fed less, floating annuals should be thrown out, potted hardy plants should be cut down and moved to the bottom of the pond, filters should be cleaned & drained, and pumps shut off.
Another good practice that we recommend is to do a partial pond cleaning and water change. It's not necessary to drain the pond completely, but we recommend draining 25% - 50% of the water and net out or remove as much organic debris as possible (IE: leaves, plants, etc.)
The reason for this is because rotting leaves, dead plant material, and other organic wastes will give off toxic gasses as they decay during the winter. This can be especially dangerous if the pond is allowed to freeze over.
A thick layer of ice can easily form over the pond in sub-freezing temperatures, which can prevent these gasses from escaping from the pond. If allowed to build up, your fish will suffer. The most likely result will be a weakened immune system, and a more vulnerable fish you will have come spring time.
Anything you can do to reduce stress on your fish prior to and during winter, will pay off handsomely in the Spring. Your fish will be much more vibrant and healthy.
Another important reason not to let your pond ice-over is because the oxygen levels in the pond water can drop to dangerous levels. By keeping the pond surface from freezing over, or by at least keeping a 2' - 3' hole in the ice, you can eliminate or greatly reduce these dangers.
Oxygen levels should be maintained during winter if at all possible. If you have a standard aquarium air pump - plug it in outside and let it run all winter.
We also recommend maintaining your salt levels during winter. This keeps your fish's slime coat strong, and immune systems strong all winter long! About The Author
Brett Fogle is the owner of MacArthur Water Gardens and several pond-related websites including macarthurwatergardens.com and pond-filters-online.com. He also publishes a free monthly newsletter called PondStuff! with a reader circulation of over 9,000 pond owners. To sign up for the free newsletter and receive a complimentary 'New Pond Owners Guide' for joining, just visit MacArthur Water Gardens at our website.
Preparing Your Body For Golf While You Travel
We all know the temptations of traveling… grabbing a slice of pizza while running to your gate at the airport, an elaborate steak dinner with a client, and bein...
Russian Nesting Dolls - The Beginning
Russian nesting dolls - how they appeared, which predecessors they had and how they are related to Christianity, Buddhism and pre-Christian pagans.
Credit Counseling Signs That You May Need Help
Credit counseling is a viable option for those who are feeling the stress of being overwhelmed by debt.
Keeping Baby Safe: Your Most Important Role As A Parent
Saying Thanks, But No Thanks to Used Safety Equipment Once your beautiful bundle of joy arrives, the work of raising your child really begins. The biggest job y...
Moksha Salvation in Hinduism... Highlights Concept And The Path
Moksha is that ephemeral truth of life without which human beings cannot sustain themselves. The cause of the human body... the process of evolution... Moksha Y...
The Proper Way to Use Images
Learn the best ways to use images in your website, including some seo tricks...
Pay Per Click or Pay Per Human Browser?
Paying as low as one cent per click for advertising can be very tempting. It can work out more expensive, though, when you work out the cost per true human brow...
Email Scam Warnings
Most people online are very familiar with the Nigerian Email Letter Scams. They've victimized thousands over the years and continue to do so. I am certain you'...
Article Writing: How to Write a Laser Speech Summary
Do you know how most article summaries are full of ZZZZZZZs? Well here is how to write a laser speech summary that will pull readers right into your article.
Adminstration of E-Business Taxation
The Internet may not be useful for all businesses, nor do all have to develop an Internet information strategy. Some businesses are concerned with the start-up ...
Network Marketing Strategy
Network Marketing Strategy Tips
Water to Swim In
For years I have dipped my toe into the scary world of publication, like a swimmer testing new waters. Each time I came close, I backed off and settled back in...
Back Hair Laser Removal
Back hair laser removal has become a popular choice for removing all those unwanted hairs. Excess body hair on your back can be removed effectively by laser rem...
Affiliate Marketing is a Brilliant Way to Begin On-line Marketing
To make money in the 'real world' we need a product to sell or market. When one starts out on the Internet, what do you do?
Affiliate Marketing is a terrific wa...
Think Positive - Even a Heart Attack Can Be a Good Thing
Many times in life, things that initially appear to be bad actually turn out to be good. A heart attack at age 44 led Steven List to a rewarding new career, im...
Credit Counseling – Signs That You May Need Help
How will you know if you should seek advice from a certified credit counselor? Every persons scenario is different, however many carry similar themes, here are ...
Shih Tzu - Toys and Special Treats
Inspect your dog's toys often. If there are pieces bit off the toy, discard it. Marrow bones are a special treat....
Where Will Your IT Staff Come From NOW?
With companies planning to hire more IT workers tahn they have in the past few years and suitable labor becoming rare, what steps can you take to help you find ...
Increase Your Click-Through Rate And Skyrocket Your Sales - 3 Quick Tips
Most pay per click ads draw amazingly low click through rates. This not only hurts sales in the form of less clicks to your site, but on ppc search engines lik...
Feeding Your Pet Stingray - The Essentials of Maintaining a Varied Diet
Stingrays will eat a wide variety of foods. Maintaining a varied diet is extremely important in captive animals, as monocultural diets incur a risk of nutrition...
Tips for Trade Show Rentals
Trade show rentals are an economical and convenient solution for your exhibit. They lend you the flexibility to change things for every show, and eliminate you...
Creativity and Innovation Management - Special People?
People often think that creativity and innovation require specific types. Wrong.
How Storytelling Can Grow Your Business
What can stories do for you and your business? Stories can educate customers about a need they have and how you fill it, subtly demonstrate your expertise, crea...
Growing and Preserving Cut Flowers
There is nothing more cheerful than vases full of fresh flowers placed around the house that have been grown and cut from your own garden. A cut flower is one ...
|
Print this page